Gilgit Manuscripts Vol 01 - Book Summary

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Book Title: Gilgit Manuscripts Vol 01 Author(s): Nalinaksha Dutt, D M Bhattacharya, Shivnath Sharma Publisher: Government of Jammu and Kashmir Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/020346/1

Overall Nature of the Work:

"Gilgit Manuscripts Vol 01" is a scholarly publication presenting and analyzing Buddhist Sanskrit manuscripts discovered near Gilgit, in the territories of Jammu and Kashmir. The volume is dedicated to the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, acknowledging his gracious permission and patronage for its publication. The introduction by Dr. Nalinaksha Dutt highlights the significant contribution of these manuscripts to understanding early Indian Buddhism, particularly in Kashmir.

Key Themes and Content:

The book comprises several Buddhist Sanskrit texts, primarily focused on Mahayana Buddhism. The volume includes:

Preface: Dr. Nalinaksha Dutt details the serendipitous discovery of the manuscripts in a Gilgit stupa in 1931, their subsequent transfer to Srinagar, and the long process leading to their publication. He expresses gratitude to various scholars and officials who assisted in this endeavor. He emphasizes that these manuscripts are among the earliest discovered Sanskrit originals of Buddhist works, many of which were previously known only through Chinese and Tibetan translations. The preface also touches upon the linguistic peculiarities of the early Mahayana texts, noting a blend of Prakrit and Sanskrit.
Buddhism in Kashmir: This section provides historical context, tracing the evolution and presence of Buddhism in Kashmir from ancient times up to the 12th century AD.
- Geographical Context: Kashmir's strategic location and its historical association with Gandhara are discussed. The importance of passes like the one leading to Gilgit is noted, as it's near the site of the manuscript discovery.
- Introduction of Buddhism: The role of missionaries sent by Ashoka, particularly Majjhantika to Kasmira-Gandhara, is recounted. Legends involving the subjugation of Nagas and the introduction of saffron cultivation are mentioned.
- Ashoka's Patronage: The extent of Ashoka's patronage, his possible leanings towards Sarvastivadins, and the subsequent anti-Buddhistic sentiments of his successors are explored. The story of monks fleeing to Kashmir during Ashoka's reign is presented.
- Buddhism and Naga Beliefs: The interplay between Buddhism and the indigenous Naga worship in Kashmir is examined, citing chronicles like the Nilamatapurana and Rajatarangini.
- Buddhism and Shaivism: The coexistence and occasional fusion of Buddhist and Shaivite practices and beliefs in Kashmir are discussed, noting how devotional needs were met by Shaivism while ethical and philosophical aspects were addressed by Buddhism.
- Reverses and Revivals: The text chronicles periods of decline for Buddhism in Kashmir, including the persecutions attributed to Mihirakula and the anti-Buddhistic policies of some later rulers. It also highlights periods of revival, such as during the reign of Meghavahana and later kings.
- The Sahis of Kashmir: The influence and patronage of Buddhism by the Sahi dynasty, particularly their Turkish origins and adherence to Buddhism, are discussed.
- Testimony of Chinese Pilgrims: The accounts of Yuan Chwang and Ou K'ong are referenced, providing valuable insights into Buddhist sites and practices in Kashmir.
- Archaeological Survey and Explorations: Details of archaeological findings at various sites like Hushkapura, Parihasapura, and Harwan are presented, corroborating the historical accounts of Buddhist monuments. The discovery of the Gilgit manuscripts within a stupa is highlighted as a significant archaeological event.
Specific Texts Published in Volume I: The book includes the critical editions of several significant Buddhist Sanskrit texts:
- Bhaisajyaguru-Sutra (Bhajajyaguruvaiduryaprabharajasutra): This text describes the vows and realm of the Medicine Buddha. The volume discusses its popularity in China, Japan, and Tibet, and provides details of its Chinese and Tibetan translations. The Sanskrit text details the twelve great vows of the Buddha of Medicine, aiming to alleviate suffering, cure diseases, and bestow blessings. It outlines the process of worshipping the Buddha and the merits gained.
- Ekadasamukham (Eleven-Faced Avalokitesvara): This is a dhāraṇī (a type of mantra) related to Avalokitesvara. The manuscript is described as being written on birch bark. The text focuses on the benefits of reciting this dhāraṇī for spiritual progress, protection from evils, and rebirth in Sukhāvati.
- Hayagriva Vidya: This manuscript is a dhāraṇī associated with Hayagriva, a fierce deity often linked with Avalokitesvara. The text describes Hayagriva's attributes, the ritualistic instructions for creating his image, and the mantra's purpose in destroying enemies, countering negative influences, and averting evils. The connection of Hayagriva with Avalokitesvara is explored, referencing texts like the Sadhanamala.
- Sarvatathagatadhisthana-Sattvalokana-Buddhaksetra-Sandarsana-Vyūham: This lengthy title refers to a sutra concerning the visualization of Buddha-fields and the blessings of all Tathagatas. The volume discusses its Tibetan and Chinese versions and suggests the Sanskrit original might date back to the 5th or 6th century AD. The text contains various dhāraṇīs and their merits, focusing on the visualization of Buddha-fields and the benefits of practicing these meditations. The location of Potalaka, the abode of Avalokitesvara, is also discussed in relation to this sutra.
- Srimahadevi Vyakaranam: This is a text from the Vyakarana class, which traditionally concerns prophecies about future Buddhahood. The sutra is set in Sukhāvati and features the goddess Shri Mahadevi, detailing her past merits and the benefits of worshipping her and reciting her stotra. The text highlights the importance of devotional practices and the attainment of prosperity through devotion to Shri Mahadevi.
- Ajitasena Vyakaranam: This final manuscript discussed in the volume is an Ajitasena-vyakarana-nirdeśa-nama-mahāyāna-sūtra. The text is noted for its language, which resembles the Lalitavistara with a mix of Sanskrit and "Gatha dialect." It presents a semi-Mahayanic form of Buddhism, with elements of both Hinayana and Mahayana ideals. The narrative involves King Ajitasena and his spiritual guide Nandimitra. The summary delves into the story of Nandimitra's mission to Ajitasena, King Ajitasena's conversion, and the subsequent events, including the king's renunciation and the prophecy of his future Buddhahood as Ajitaprabhanāmathatāgata. The text also includes significant details about the merits of propagating the dharma and the consequences of reviling it.

Significance of the Gilgit Manuscripts:

The Gilgit Manuscripts are considered invaluable for several reasons:

Sanskrit Originals: They provide rare Sanskrit originals of Buddhist texts, many of which were previously only available in translation.
Early Buddhism: Their early dating (5th-6th century AD) offers crucial insights into the development of Buddhist thought, particularly Mahayana, during that period.
Kashmir's Role: They underscore Kashmir's significant role as a center for Buddhist learning, manuscript production, and dissemination of Buddhist culture.
Linguistic Value: The texts exhibit linguistic features of early Mahayana literature, contributing to philological studies.
Cultural History: They shed light on the religious landscape of Kashmir, including interactions between Buddhism, Shaivism, and local beliefs.

In essence, "Gilgit Manuscripts Vol 01" is a foundational scholarly work that makes available and analyzes crucial Buddhist texts discovered in Gilgit, offering profound insights into the history, literature, and practice of Buddhism in ancient Kashmir and beyond.